Dallas Cowboys Could Lose Key Offensive Assistant as Mike McCarthy Targets Familiar Face in Pittsburgh

America’s Team may soon face another notable coaching departure, as a respected member of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive staff has emerged as a top candidate for a prominent role elsewhere in the NFL. With former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy now leading the Pittsburgh Steelers, familiar connections are once again shaping league-wide coaching moves — and Dallas could be on the losing end.

Mike McCarthy Begins a New Era in Pittsburgh

Late last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the most surprising coaching moves of the NFL offseason, hiring Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. McCarthy replaces longtime Steelers leader Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after an impressive 19-season tenure following Pittsburgh’s disappointing 30–6 Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans.

McCarthy’s hiring instantly placed him among elite company in Steelers history. Since 1969, Pittsburgh has employed just four head coaches: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlin, and now McCarthy — all of whom have either won or are expected to contend for Super Bowl titles. The move signals Pittsburgh’s commitment to stability, experience, and championship pedigree.

McCarthy spent five seasons as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 through 2024, compiling a 49–35 regular-season record. Under his leadership, Dallas reached the postseason three consecutive times between 2021 and 2023, though consistent playoff success ultimately proved elusive. After parting ways with the Cowboys following the 2024 campaign, McCarthy took a year away from coaching before resurfacing in Pittsburgh.

Steelers’ Offensive Coordinator Vacancy Sparks Immediate Action

One of McCarthy’s first priorities in Pittsburgh is assembling his coaching staff, starting with a new offensive coordinator. That task became necessary when Arthur Smith, who had drawn interest from both NFL and collegiate programs, opted to step away from the professional ranks. Smith chose to accept the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State, where he will coach during the 2026 season.

With the Steelers’ offensive coordinator role vacant, McCarthy wasted little time reaching out to familiar territory. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells is expected to interview for the position, immediately raising eyebrows across the league.

Lunda Wells’ Deep Roots with Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys

McCarthy and Wells share a professional history that dates back to McCarthy’s first offseason in Dallas. When McCarthy was hired as Cowboys head coach in 2020, one of his early staffing decisions was bringing in Wells, who had spent the previous eight seasons with the New York Giants in various offensive assistant roles.

A former offensive lineman during his playing career, Wells quickly built a reputation as a strong developmental coach with a deep understanding of blocking schemes, route concepts, and player fundamentals. His impact was almost immediately felt within the Cowboys organization.

Tight End Development: Wells’ Strongest Calling Card

Perhaps the most compelling argument for Wells as an offensive coordinator candidate is his exceptional work with tight ends in Dallas.

Under Wells’ guidance, Dalton Schultz evolved into one of the NFL’s most reliable tight ends, earning a lucrative contract after leaving Dallas. More recently, Wells has played a crucial role in the rise of Jake Ferguson, who enjoyed a breakout 2025 campaign.

Ferguson finished the 2025 season with:

• 82 receptions (career high)

• 600 receiving yards

• 8 touchdowns (career best)

Those numbers ranked Ferguson third among all NFL tight ends in receptions, solidifying him as one of the league’s premier players at the position. League executives and coaching staffs have taken notice, viewing Wells as a coach capable of maximizing talent and adapting offensive schemes to personnel strengths.

League-Wide Interest in Lunda Wells Continues to Grow

The Steelers are not the first team to express interest in Wells this offseason. Earlier this year, Dan Quinn, another former Cowboys coach, requested permission to interview Wells for the offensive coordinator position with the Washington Commanders.

Ultimately, Washington surprised many by promoting David Blough, who had spent just two seasons as an assistant quarterbacks coach, to the OC role. However, Quinn’s pursuit of Wells further underscores how highly regarded the 42-year-old assistant has become across NFL circles.

As a Southern University alumnus, Wells has steadily climbed the coaching ladder through hard-earned results rather than flashy self-promotion. His name now consistently appears on shortlists for coordinator-level roles — a clear sign that a promotion may be inevitable.

What Losing Lunda Wells Would Mean for the Cowboys

For the Dallas Cowboys, losing Wells would represent more than just another staff change. The franchise has already experienced coaching turnover in recent years, and Wells’ departure would remove one of the offense’s most trusted developmental minds.

Dallas has relied heavily on tight ends as safety valves within its passing game, and Wells has been instrumental in ensuring consistency at the position. Replacing his expertise would not be easy, particularly given the Cowboys’ emphasis on offensive efficiency and balance.

At the same time, Wells’ potential departure would highlight a recurring theme in Dallas: successful assistants eventually become coveted elsewhere. While that reflects well on the organization’s coaching pipeline, it also presents continuity challenges.

Timing of the Steelers Interview and Wells’ Current Focus

As of now, the exact date for Wells’ interview with the Steelers has not been announced. In the meantime, his immediate focus remains on his current responsibilities.

Wells is serving as head coach of the West team at the East-West Shrine Bowl, one of the premier collegiate all-star showcases. The annual event is scheduled for Tuesday night at The Star — the Cowboys’ practice facility — making the moment particularly symbolic should Wells soon depart for another opportunity.

Final Thoughts: A Familiar Pattern in the NFL Coaching Cycle

The NFL coaching carousel often comes full circle, and Mike McCarthy’s interest in Lunda Wells is a textbook example. Familiarity, trust, and proven development matter — especially when a head coach is tasked with reshaping an offense.

For the Steelers, Wells represents a forward-thinking offensive mind with a track record of player growth. For the Cowboys, his possible exit would mark another instance of internal success leading to external opportunity.

Whether or not Wells ultimately lands in Pittsburgh, one thing is clear: his stock has never been higher, and Dallas may soon have to prepare for life without one of its most valuable offensive assistants.